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Willard Johnson

Ms. Corwell

Honors English 11

April 20, 2006

The Hero of Individual Conscience: An Analysis of Ryan Wiley

in Michelle Bennett’s Chronicle of a Traitor

Thesis:        In Chronicle of a Traitor, Michelle Bennett condemns the values of Heratica, praises Ryan Wiley as a hero, and proclaims the nobility of resistance to oppression.

I.    The values of Heratica

       A. Atheism

            1.   Children taught not to believe in God

            2.   Places of worship eliminated

            3.   Citizens forbidden to speak of religion in the past

       B.  Dishonesty

            1.   Truth only relevant if serving the state or individual survival

            2.   Ability to lie and steal considered highly desirable

            3.   Parents held responsible for moral education of children

 II. Ryan Wiley as a hero

      A.  Instinctual resistance to atheism and dishonesty

            1.   Confused response to parents and teachers

            2.   Alienation from peers

            3.   Courage and resolve despite negative consequences

            4.   Early inclinations to rebel

      B.   Determination to identify own values

III. (next major topic in logical sequence)

      A.

      B.

 
 

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